VIDEO: Jewel thief captured on camera smashing cases, stripping displays

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Police are giving the public a good look at a crook they say stole high-end jewelry from a Galleria area store back in early January.

Recently-released surveillance video of the January 7 heist shows a man smashing several displays with a gun and stuffing piece after piece of high-end jewelry into a bag.

The theft happened at Exotic Diamonds at 5757 Westheimer where an HPD officer was working security at the time. Police say the suspect had a gun, pointed it at the officer and disarmed him.

Sources told Eyewitness News around the time of the crime that the thief snatched more than $300,000 worth of merchandise.

The suspect is described as a black male in his mid-20s to early 30s, about 5 feet 7 inches tall, with a slim build. He wore a blue hoodie, black jeans and was armed with a pistol.

Anyone with information on the suspect in this case is urged to contact the HPD Robbery Division at 713-308-0700 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.